Lighter Device

ABSTRACT

A lighter is provided comprising an ignitable material for igniting when heated defining a recess along a length thereof. The lighter further includes a striker material for effectuating sparks when struck defining a protrusion along a distance thereof. The protrusion is shaped to be slidingly engaged with the recess for selectively securing the striker material to the ignitable material. Additionally the lighter includes a combustible handle including lignocellulosic material or polymer material for igniting when heated, the handle defining a cavity that selectively receives the striker material and the ignitable material when engaged.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/941,516 filed on Jul. 14, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/ 672,019 filed Jul. 16, 2012, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is related to a lighter device having a striker material slidingly engaged with a ignitable material for selectively securing the striker material to the ignitable material.

BACKGROUND

Along with shelter and water, fire is the most important thing you need to survive in the wilderness. It provides the following: warmth in cold conditions; a means to purify water or sterilize tools; heat to dry wet clothes; a cooking flame; a sense of security and comfort; smoke for rescue signals; heat to melt snow and ice for drinking water; a means to scare away dangerous animals; light for your shelter or for torches; and smoke to help repel insects. While there are many methods to start a fire without a match, they all require a bit of practice. Thus, the safest method is to be prepared with a lighter device.

While there are many lighter devices available, there is a need for a single compact lighter device that can be used to easily start multiple fires, in varying conditions, such as providing combustible material for starting a fire even in the wettest of conditions.

Accordingly, such a lighter device is provided in the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

According to at least one embodiment, a lighter is provided. The lighter includes an ignitable material for igniting when heated defining a recess along a length thereof, and a striker material for effectuating sparks when struck defining a protrusion along a distance thereof. The protrusion is shaped to be slidingly engaged with the recess for selectively securing the striker material to the ignitable material.

According to at least one embodiment, a lighter is provided. The lighter includes an ignitable material for igniting when heated defining a recess along a length thereof. The lighter further includes a striker material for effectuating sparks when struck defining a protrusion along a distance thereof. The protrusion is shaped to be slidingly engaged with the recess for selectively securing the striker material to the ignitable material. Additionally the lighter includes a combustible handle including lignocellulosic material or polymer material for igniting when heated, the handle defining a cavity that selectively receives the striker material and the ignitable material when engaged.

According to some embodiments, the recess and the protrusion are cylindrically shaped, rectangularly shaped, T-shaped or trapezoidally shaped.

According to some embodiments, the length of the striker material is substantially similar to the length of the ignitable material.

According to some embodiments, the striker material includes one or more dopants and/or colorants for effectuating colored sparks.

According to some embodiments, the dopants and/or colorants comprise one or more of iron, phosphorus, barium, calcium salts, copper compounds, or strontium salts.

According to some embodiments, the ignitable material comprises magnesium.

According to some embodiments, the ignitable material further comprises one or more dopants and/or colorants for burning hotter and effectuating colored flames.

According to some embodiments, the dopants and/or colorants comprise one or more of iron, phosphorus, barium, calcium salts, copper compounds, or strontium salts.

According to some embodiments, the lighter further comprises a handle, wherein the handle is a string, a rope, a cable or a parachord.

According to some embodiments, at least one strand of the handle is disengaged for aiding ignition.

According to some embodiments, the lighter includes a combustible handle including lignocellulosic material or polymer material.

According to some embodiments, the handle defines a cavity that selectively receives the striker material and/or the ignitable material.

According to some embodiments, the handle further includes a hydro-dipped coating.

According to some embodiments, the handle defines a compartment for storing one or more items.

According to some embodiments, the lighter further includes a striker bar for striking the striker material.

According to some embodiments, the striker bar includes a tungsten carbide edge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of various embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an example of a lighter device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an example of a lighter device having a wooden handle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an example of a lighter device in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is an exploded view of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mirror holder in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of a lighter device wherein the handle defines a pattern in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a front view of the lighter device having a handle and a striker material having a cylindrical protrusion, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is an exploded view of the lighter device having a handle and a striker material having a cylindrical protrusion, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a front view of the lighter device having a handle and a striker material having a rectangular protrusion, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is an exploded view of the lighter device having a handle and a striker material having a rectangular protrusion, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a front view of the lighter device having a handle and a striker material having a T-shaped protrusion, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the lighter device having a handle and a striker material having a T-shaped protrusion, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A is a front view of the lighter device having a handle and a striker material having a trapezoidal protrusion, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B is an exploded view of the lighter device having a handle and a striker material including a switch, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed invention is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventor has contemplated that the claimed invention might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example of a lighter device (10) having a mirror in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of the lighter device (10) of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B illustrates the example of the lighter device (10) including a handle (12), an ignitable material (14) carried by the handle, a striker material (16) for igniting the ignitable material, and a mirror (20) selectively carried by the handle. In other embodiments, the lighter device (10) may only include an ignitable material (14) for igniting when heated slidingly and selectively engaged with a striker material (16) for effectuating sparks when struck (FIGS. 6A-9B). In such embodiments, the lighter (10) may also include a combustible handle (12) including, or consisting of, combustible lignocellulosic material and resin or solely combustible polymer material.

According to one or more embodiments, the handle (12) defines a recess (22) that selectively receives a mirror holder (24). The mirror holder (24) can be secured to the handle (12) such as by using screws or a bonding agent. The mirror (20) can be slideably received in the mirror holder (24). FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mirror holder (24) in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the mirror (20) can be slideably removed and reinserted into the mirror holder (24), for example, to enable a person to use the mirror as a signaling device. The mirror can be bendable to form a reflective parabolic surface that is even better than a flat mirror to serve as a signaling device.

According to one or more embodiments, the lighter device striker material (16) is carried by the ignitable material (14). The striker material (16) can extend along a length of the ignitable material (14). The lighter device (10) can include a striker bar (30) for striking the striker material (16). Striking the striker material (16) with the striker bar (30) can effectuate a shower of sparks. The sparks are advantageous to a user for generating a signal such as, for example, to generate a signal in times of distress. The striker bar (3) may be configured for removing portions of the ignitable material (14) and/or handle (12) to form shavings. In some embodiments, the striker bar (16) may include an edge (45) for striking the striker material (16) or for shaving the ignitable material (14) and/or handle (12). The edge (45) may be comprised of, or may consist of, tungsten carbide. As is depicted in FIG. 1B, the edge (45) may be positioned at an end of the striker bar (30).

According to one or more embodiments, the lighter device striker material (16) includes a flint material. Striking the striker material including a flint material (16) with the striker bar (30) can effectuate a shower of sparks. The flint material can include about 50% to about 70% cerium, about 20% to about 30% iron, about 0% to about 30% lanthanum, and one or more of zinc, silicon, tungsten, copper, or magnesium in small or trace quantities. In another embodiment, the flint material can include a larger percentage of magnesium. For example, the flint material can include about 50% to about 70% cerium, about 20% to about 30% iron, about 5% to about 30% lanthanum, about 2.5% to about 20% magnesium, and one or more of zinc, silicon, tungsten, or copper in small or trace quantities. The larger percentage of magnesium in the flint can increase the temperature of the effectuated sparks. In addition, the magnesium can burn even when wet. Thus, striking the striker material that includes magnesium (16) with the striker bar (30) can effectuate a shower of sparks at an increased temperature. Further, striking the striker material that includes magnesium (16) with the striker bar (30) can effectuate a shower of sparks capable of effectuating a flame when positioned in the presence of a suitable flammable material even in wet conditions.

According to one or more embodiments, the flint material can include one or more dopants and/or colorants for effectuating colored sparks. The dopants and/or colorants can include one or more of iron, phosphorus, barium, calcium salts, copper compounds, or strontium salts and the dopants are including in the flint material to effectuate colored sparks. For example, phosphorus burns spontaneously in air and causes glow-in-the-dark effects. Barium creates green colors in the sparks. Calcium salts produce orange color in the sparks. Copper compounds produce blue colors in the sparks. Strontium salts impart a red color to the sparks. Iron is used to produce sparks, and the heat of the metal flint determines the color of the sparks. Thus, the flint material can include one or more dopants and/or colorants for effectuating colored sparks such as, for example, glow-in-the-dark sparks, green sparks, blue sparks, red sparks, yellow sparks, or white sparks, or the sparks can be a combination of one or more of these colored sparks.

Striking the striker material (16) with the striker bar (30) can effectuate a shower of sparks capable of effectuating a flame when positioned in the presence of any suitable flammable material. For example, the striker bar (30) can be configured for removing portions of the ignitable material (14) that is carried by the lighter device handle (12) to thereby form shavings of the ignitable material. Striking the striker material (16) with the striker bar (30) in the vicinity of the ignitable material shavings can cause the ignitable material shavings to burn. The ignitable material shavings can be burned regardless of whether the ignitable material shavings are wet. Thus, an advantage of the lighter device is that it is useful for starting a fire under wet conditions and when the lighter device itself is wet.

According to one or more embodiments, the lighter device ignitable material (14) can include magnesium. The ignitable material (14) can include a magnesium rod. The magnesium or magnesium rod can include one or more dopants and/or colorants for burning hotter and effectuating colored flames. The lighter device dopants and/or colorants can include one or more of iron, phosphorus, barium, calcium salts, copper compounds, or strontium salts. For example, phosphorus burns spontaneously in air and causes the flames to possess glow-in-the-dark effects. Barium creates green colors in the flames. Calcium salts produce orange color in the flames. Copper compounds produce blue colors in the flames. Strontium salts impart a red color to the flames. Iron is used to produce sparks, and the heat of the magnesium determines the color of the flames. Thus, the ignitable material can include one or more dopants and/or colorants for effectuating colored flames such as, for example, glow-in-the-dark flames, green flames, blue flames, red flames, yellow flames, or white flames, or the flames can be a combination of one or more of these colored flames.

According to one or more embodiments, the lighter device (10) further includes a compass (32). The compass (32) can glow in the dark.

According to one or more embodiments, the lighter device handle (12) may be comprised of combustible wood, composite, or polymer material. In alternative embodiments, the handle (12) may consist of wood, combustible composite material, or combustible polymer material. The wood may be coated with a lacquer or other highly flammable material. The composite material may comprise, or consist of, lignocellulosic material mixed with resins. The resins may be all-natural—consisting of ingredients found in nature and may not be chemically altered.

The composite combustible material of the present disclosure can be any composite material that is able to catch fire and burn easily. For example, the composite combustible material can include compressed wood particles and a binder that will act as a bonding agent to bind the wood particles together. In one embodiment, the composite combustible material can be a lignocellulosic material and a binder that is a thermosetting resin. In one embodiment, the composite combustible material can include paraffin (petroleum-based wax) or bio-wax. In one embodiment, the lignocellulosic material can include waste fiber from oil palm, fiber from cotton plants, waste wax-cardboard such as that used in the packing of perishable foods for shipment, commercial wood waste from manufacturers, or waste agricultural biomass (nut shells, fruit pits, etc.).

According to one or more embodiments, the combustible handle (12) is produced with a combustible material like wood, a lignocellulosic material or fatwood, as described above. The combustible handle (12) is produced by grinding the wood or lignocellulosic material or fatwood into a pulp, or fine small shavings, or fine small particles. Next, a combustible resin or glue is added that will act as a bonding agent to hold the material together (the “binder”) and the ingredients are mixed together. The material is placed into a pre-made mold for the handle (12) and molded under a high capacity press machine (HCPM). The handle is removed and set aside to harden/cure. The handle is sanded to remove any rough edges and/or “splinters”.

The striker bar (30) of the lighter device (10) can be configured for removing portions of the combustible handle (12) to thereby form shavings of the combustible handle. Striking the striker material (16) with the striker bar (30) can effectuate a shower of sparks capable of effectuating a flame when positioned in the presence of the shavings of the combustible handle. Striking the striker material (16) with the striker bar (30) in the vicinity of the shavings of the combustible handle can cause the shavings to burn. The combustible handle shavings can be burned regardless of whether the combustible handle shavings are wet. Thus, an advantage of the lighter device (10) is that it is useful for starting a fire under wet conditions and when the lighter device (10) itself is wet.

According to one or more embodiments, the lighter device (10) is buoyant in a host liquid. The lighter device (10) can be buoyant in water.

According to one or more embodiments, an aperture can be drilled through the combustible handle (12) about an inch to an inch and a half from the bottom. The aperture allows for a cord/lanyard to go through this aperture to attach the striker bar (30). According to one or more embodiments, the aperature is countersinked on both sides. The combustible handle (12) is then drilled at the top to carry the ignitable material (14). The ignitable material can include magnesium. The ignitable material (14) can include a magnesium rod.

According to one or more embodiments, the combustible handle (12) can define a pattern. One process for defining the pattern can encompasses a procedure called hydro-dripping or hydro graphics or water transfer printing. The handle pattern can define a camouflage design. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a lighter device (310) having a handle defining a pattern in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a lighter device (110) having a mirror in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the handle (112) includes wood. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the example of lighter device (110) comprising a wood handle (112) defining a recess (122) that selectively receives a mirror holder (124); an ignitable material (114) carried by the handle (112); a striker material (116) for igniting the ignitable material (114), the striker material extending along a length of the ignitable material (114); and a mirror (120) slideably received in the mirror holder (124). Accordingly, the mirror (120) can be slideably removed and reinserted into the mirror holder (124), for example, to enable a person to use the mirror (120) as a signaling device. The mirror (120) can be bendable to form a reflective parabolic surface that is even better than a flat mirror to serve as a signaling device.

According to one or more embodiments, the lighter device (110) can further include a compass (132). According to one or more embodiments, the compass (132) glows in the dark.

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a lighter device (210) having a mirror in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded view of the lighter device of FIG. 3A. FIG. 3B illustrates the lighter device (210) comprising a handle (212) defining a slidejoint (226) that selectively receives a mirror (220). The handle (212) can include a polymer. The mirror (220) can be slideably received in the slidejoint (226). Accordingly, the mirror (220) can be slideably removed and reinserted, for example, to enable a person to use the mirror as a signaling device. The mirror (220) can be bendable to form a reflective parabolic surface that represents an improvement over a flat mirror to serve as a signaling device.

The lighter device (210) can include an ignitable material (214) carried by the handle (212) and a striker material (216) for igniting the ignitable material (214). The striker material can extend along a length of the ignitable material (214). The lighter device (210) can define a compartment (238). The compartment can include a battery pack to power one or more LED lights carried on the magnesium cap (234) that carries the ignitable material (214) and encloses the front end of the compartment (238). The compass cap (236) can enclose the rear end of the compartment (238). A gasket can be present between both the magnesium cap (234) and the compass cap (236) to seal the compartment. The magnesium cap (234), the compass cap (236) and the gaskets can be secured to the handle (212) with screws (218). The compass cap (236) can include a compass (232). The compass cap (236) can be easily removable and replaceable and the compartment (238) defined by the handle (212) can be useful for storing one or more items.

FIGS. 6A through 9B depict various embodiments of the lighter device (10) including a striker material (16) slidingly and securedly engaged with an ignitable material (14). In these embodiments, a lighter (10) may include an ignitable material (14) and a striker material (16). The ignitable material (14) may define a recess (15) along a length thereof. Further, the striker material (16) may define a protrusion (17) along a length thereof. The protrusion (17) may be shaped to be slidingly engaged with the recess (15) for securedly engaging the striker material (16) to the ignitable material (14).

In some embodiments, the friction and/or shape of the protrusion (17) and recess (15) may aid in securing the striker material (16) to the ignitable material (14) when the two are engaged. The protrusion (17) and/or recess (15) may have a smooth surface or may have a surface with friction inducing ridges, scores or patterns. In at least one embodiment, the recess (15) of the ignitable material (14) may include an adhesive and/or surface (18), such as a glue, to further secure the striker material (16) to the ignitable material (14). In at least one embodiment, the surface (18) defines ridges, etchings or a pattern to create a friction resistance to disengagement. In at least another embodiment, the surface (18) includes both a physical feature and an adhesive. The recess (15) and/or the protrusion (17) may be any of a variety of shapes, namely cylindrically shaped (FIGS. 6A and 6B), rectangularly shaped (FIGS. 7A and 7B), T-shaped (FIGS. 8A and 8B) or trapezoidally shaped (FIGS. 9A and 9B).

The embodiments of the lighter device (10) depicted in FIGS. 6A through 9B may also include a handle (12). The handle (12) may include any of the embodiments described herein. The handle (12) may include a cavity (19) for receiving at least a portion of the materials (14, 16) when the striker material (16) is securedly engaged with the ignitable material (14), or for receiving either the striker material (16) or ignitable material (14) individually. Additionally, the handle (12) may be a string, a rope, a cable or a parachord selectively engaged or coupled with the striker material (16) or ignitable material (14). Although the handle (12) may not necessarily be held during use, the handle (12) may still provide a means for ‘handling’ the lighter device. In some embodiments, at least one strand of the handle (12) may be disengaged for aiding ignition, similar to the shaving of the handle (12) to aid ignition described supra. In yet another embodiment, the handle (12) may include both a combustible handle comprised of, or consisting of, lignocellulosic or polymer materials, as well as an string, rope, cable or parachord selectively engaged thereto, for example, through an aperture of the handle (12).

In at least one embodiment of the lighter device (10), a handle (12) having a cavity (19) for receiving at least a portion of the materials (14, 16) may further include a switch (40) for selectively engaging and/or releasing the materials (14, 16) housed in the handle (12). For example, in one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 9B, at least one of the materials (14, 16) may define a groove (42) for being selectively engaged using a switch (40) on the handle (12). The switch (40) may be biased to engage the groove (42). When the switch (40) is depressed, the groove (42) may be disengaged, and a spring (44) affixed within the cavity (19) may bias the materials (14, 16) to protract from the cavity (19) for use. Alternatively, the materials (14, 16) may be dumped or shaken out by maneuvering the handler (12). Further, the materials (14, 16) may define a tab (46) for catching a portion of the handle (12) and preventing the materials (14, 16) from fully disengaging therefrom. In at least one embodiment, the materials (14, 16) may be replaced and/or fully disengaged through the use of a slide (48) at the end of the handle (12), which may be translated into and out of position for catching and/or releasing the materials (14, 16). The slide (48) and tab (46) may be used in conjunction with the switch (40) and groove (42) or may be used independently, such that the slide (48) itself serves the purpose of a switch (40) and may be considered a switch (40).

While the embodiments have been described in connection with the various embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiment for performing the same function without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A lighter comprising: an ignitable material for igniting when heated defining a recess along a length thereof; a striker material for effectuating sparks when struck defining a protrusion along a distance thereof, wherein the protrusion is shaped to be slidingly engaged with the recess for selectively securing the striker material to the ignitable material.
 2. The lighter of claim 1, wherein the recess and the protrusion are cylindrically shaped, rectangularly shaped, T-shaped or trapezoidally shaped.
 3. The lighter of claim 1, wherein the length of the striker material is substantially similar to the length of the ignitable material.
 4. The lighter of claim 1, wherein the striker material includes one or more dopants and/or colorants for effectuating colored sparks.
 5. The lighter of claim 4, wherein the dopants and/or colorants comprise one or more of iron, phosphorus, barium, calcium salts, copper compounds, or strontium salts.
 6. The lighter of claim 1, wherein the ignitable material comprises magnesium.
 7. The lighter of claim 6, wherein the ignitable material further comprises one or more dopants and/or colorants for burning hotter and effectuating colored flames.
 8. The lighter of claim 7, wherein the dopants and/or colorants comprise one or more of iron, phosphorus, barium, calcium salts, copper compounds, or strontium salts.
 9. The lighter of claim 1, further comprising a handle, wherein the handle is a string, a rope, a cable or a parachord.
 10. The lighter of claim 9, wherein at least one strand of the handle is disengaged for aiding ignition.
 11. The lighter of claim 1, further comprising a combustible handle including lignocellulosic material or polymer material.
 12. The lighter of claim 11, wherein the handle defines a cavity that selectively receives at least a portion of the striker material and/or the ignitable material.
 13. The lighter of claim 12, wherein the handle defines a compartment for storing one or more items.
 14. The lighter of claim 13, further comprising a cap for enclosing the cavity and/or the compartment.
 15. The lighter of claim 1, further comprising a switch for selectively engaging the striker material and/or the ignitable material within the cavity.
 16. The lighter of claim 11, wherein the handle further includes a hydro-dipped coating.
 17. The lighter of claim 1, further comprising a striker bar for striking the striker material.
 18. The lighter of claim 17, wherein the striker bar is configured for removing portions of the ignitable material to form shavings.
 19. The lighter of claim 17, wherein the striker bar includes a tungsten carbide edge.
 20. A lighter comprising: an ignitable material for igniting when heated defining a recess along a length thereof; a striker material for effectuating sparks when struck defining a protrusion along a distance thereof, wherein the protrusion is shaped to be slidingly engaged with the recess for selectively securing the striker material to the ignitable material; and a combustible handle including lignocellulosic material or polymer material for igniting when heated, the handle defining a cavity that selectively receives the striker material and the ignitable material when engaged. 